Monique sends another 32
Yesterday, 10th October, Monique Forestier climbed the route Staring at the Sea (graded 32) on Wave Wall, in the Blue Mountains. This is the second route graded 32 that Monique has succeeded on. She climbed the other route, Intergalactic Lactic Spastic, in July 2003.

Success on the 25-metre Staring at the Sea came to Monique on her 17th separate day of attempts. She came very close to success several times in the 13 days she spent attempting it earlier this year. Monique then had a six month-break from attempts due to overseas travels and work commitments, then began trying the route again two weeks ago.

Monique has been enjoying a good year with her climbing. She spent three months (April to July) climbing classic routes at some of the best rock-climbing destinations in Europe (mostly in Spain, France and Italy - and a little bit in Switzerland and Czech Republic). The highlight of this trip — difficulty wise — was an onsight ascent of Energia Positiva (7c+, or grade 28) at Terradets in Spain. She also placed 21st in the Difficulty World Cup in Imst, Austria.

Monique won the Australian Nationals in August, then in September she was off overseas again, this time to Croatia to partake in a 12-day exploratory “deep-water soloing” extravaganza in the Kornati Archipeligo. The team of 18 — which included world renowned climbers Steve McClure, Leo Holding and (the real) Chris Sharma — used speed boats and yachts to assist with the establishment of over 40 new routes. Photos coming soon.